The revitalisation of the Old Silver Mint—one of Kolkata’s landmark colonial structures—was conceived as an effort to restore this historic campus to contemporary relevance while enabling its transformation into a key tourism infrastructure destination. Historically significant for its role in treasury regulation and management during the British colonial period, the project sought to preserve the site’s legacy while adapting it for modern public use.
The proposal responded to the unique condition of the campus, divided into two distinct zones by Strand Road. A comprehensive condition assessment—including historicity studies, heritage value mapping, and structural appraisal—formed the basis for the restoration strategy.
The campus’s defining architectural assets, including its imposing Grecian-Doric façade, generous spatial volumes, and expansive open spaces, were carefully preserved and restored. The restoration followed a minimum-intervention approach, introducing only those measures necessary to strengthen and enhance the existing built fabric while retaining its historic character.
The revitalised campus was envisioned to accommodate a range of public and cultural functions, including a money museum, commercial hub, convention centre, archival facilities, and supporting hospitality infrastructure, creating a sustainable framework for managing the significant public footfall expected at this important heritage site.
- Location: Strand Road
- Category: Adaptive Reuse
- Client: IL&FS Infrastructure Development Corporation
- Year: 2008
- Site Area: 13 acres
